Warsaw Mayor Appeals for Order During Independence March
Rafał Trzaskowski requests peaceful conduct following recent security concerns in Krakow.
1Mayor's Public Appeal
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski issued a video appeal to participants of the upcoming Independence March. Speaking as a resident rather than an official, he requested three specific behaviors to ensure public safety. This follows a recent security incident in Krakow that prompted a city-wide mourning period and heightened national sensitivity.
2Specific Safety Prohibitions
Trzaskowski explicitly requested that participants refrain from using flares and firecrackers during the march. He emphasized that these items are currently prohibited throughout Warsaw. Given the recent violent attack in Krakow, the mayor noted that loud noises now carry a different, more distressing meaning for citizens than they did previously.
3Strict Weapons Ban
The mayor reiterated a police-enforced ban on carrying any weapons, including those that are legally owned or unloaded. This restriction applies across the entire city of Warsaw during the event. Authorities are prioritizing these measures to prevent potential escalation and maintain order while allowing the scheduled public gatherings to proceed safely.
4Call for Unity
Trzaskowski urged participants to avoid slogans that divide Poles into better or worse categories. He stated that such rhetoric is not only potentially criminal but also insensitive given the current national mood. He suggested that the national white-and-red flag is sufficient to represent the spirit of the Independence Day celebration.
5Event Logistics and Scale
The Independence March follows its traditional route, starting at Dmowski Roundabout and crossing the Poniatowski Bridge toward the National Stadium grounds. Organizers from the Independence March Association anticipate a record-breaking turnout this year. Association president Bartosz Malewski suggested that attendance could potentially reach up to half a million participants in Warsaw.
6Political Participation Confirmed
Several prominent political figures have declared their intent to join the march. This includes representatives from the Konfederacja and Rozwoju Plus parties. Additionally, Law and Justice (PiS) spokesperson Mateusz Kurzejewski confirmed that Jarosław Kaczyński and the party leadership will participate, walking the entire route as they have done in previous years.
7Government Stance on Protests
The Prime Minister confirmed that no one is banning the march or other planned gatherings. The police have committed to securing every event scheduled for November 11. This official stance aims to balance the right to public assembly with the necessity of maintaining security in the capital during a tense period.
8Context of National Sensitivity
The appeal highlights the tension between exercising democratic rights and maintaining public order following the recent attack in Krakow. While Krakow canceled its celebrations due to mourning, Warsaw intends to proceed to demonstrate that independence cannot be undermined by fear. The focus remains on peaceful commemoration despite the high political stakes.
Original article: Polsat News — Warsaw Mayor Appeals for Order During Independence March